Dual button switch with automatic detent ball return action



6 1965 E. v. SAHRBACKER DUAL BUTTON SWITCH WITH AUTOMATIC DETENT BALLRETURN ACTION Filed Jan. 10, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 g 46 INVENTOR. 46ammo IiB4fi/P544'KEQ BY ww Dec. 21, 1965 E. v. SAHRBACKER 3,225,156

DUAL BUTTON SWITCH WITH AUTOMATIC DETENT BALL RETURN ACTION Filed Jan.10, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 rig] I I. I "r 56' 65 a a W a 66 TliJ/PE) O D5/ 6/ Rig I I 1h 99 Tlqia 96 if 64 @533 M M w 59 j A \XIQXX QQA ATTORNEYDec. 21, 1965 E. v. SAHRBACKER 3,225,156

DUAL BUTTON SWITCH WITH AUTOMATIC DETENT BALL RETURN ACTION Filed Jan.10, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. fbMFfl WH/PBACKEE ATTORNE UnitedStates Patent DUAL BUTTON SWITCH WITH AUTOMATIC DETENT BALL RETURNACTION Edward V. Sahrbacker, Manchester, Conn., assignor to CarlingElectric, Inc., West Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut FiledJan. 10, 1964, Ser. No. 336,928

7 Claims. (Cl. 200-67) This invention relates to switches and moreparticularly to a novel multiple circuit which having improved automaticmeans for insuring a closing of only one circuit at a time.

The present invention comprises a switch assembly in which a pair ofswitch buttons each selectively control a separate pair of electricalcircuits. Means are provided between said buttons for automaticallyopening the circuit previously closed by one of said buttons when acircuit is closed by the other of said buttons. While either button maybe manipulated separately for selectively closing a single one of itsrespective two circuits, the novel means become operative when a circuitis to be closed by the other button, whereby a circuit previously closedby the first button is automatically opened.

The foregoing operation is achieved by pivotally mounting the two switchbuttons adjacent each other with a spherical ball frictionally engagedbetween opposing faces of said buttons, said ball being held captive ina single recess in one button and movable into any one of three recessesfor frictional engagement therewith. The center recess of the array ofthree recesses is somewhat shallower than the other two whereby themovement of said ball across said center recess reduces the frictionalforces between said two buttons, permitting auxiliary spring means oneach of said buttons to assist in returning either of them to its centeropen circuit position.

The foregoing improvement is achieved without any structural changes inprevious switches of this type, except for the inexpensive molding ofrecesses in switch buttons and the addition of a small spherical ballheld captive between said buttons.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the specification.

The features of novelty which are believed to be characteristic of theinvention are set forth herein and will best be understood, both as totheir fundamental principles and as to their particular embodiments, byreference to the specification and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the switch of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a greatly enlarged vertical section view taken on line 2-2of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing the action of one of thebuttons in circuit closing position, some parts being shown in elevationand some parts being shown in phantom outline;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective greatly enlarged of the inner face of one ofthe switch buttons;

FIGURE 5 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the inner face of theother switch button;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged vertical section view taken on line 6-6 ofFIGURE 1, some parts being shown in elevation and some parts beingomitted;

FIGURE 7 is a view taken on line 7-7 of FIGURE 1, some parts beingbroken away, some parts being omitted;

FIGURE 8 is a view taken on line 8-8 of FIGURE 2,

some parts being omitted;

FIGURE 9 is a schematic view of the pair of buttons in fragmentary view,some parts being broken away to show a portion of a second button;

ice

FIGURE 9a is a view greatly enlarged taken on line 9a-9a of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 10 is similar to FIGURE 9, showing one of the buttons in circuitclosing position with the position of the captive ball in its location;

FIGURE 10a is a greatly enlarged section view taken on line Illa-10a ofFIGURE 10 showing the location of the captive ball;

FIGURE 11 is a view similar to FIGURE 10 showing the manner in which theoperation of the rear button causes the return of the front button toits center-off position;

FIGURE 11a is a greatly enlarged view taken of line Ila-11a of FIGURE 11showing the location of the captive ball;

FIGURE 12 is a view of the two buttons showing the manner in which thefront button is returnedto its neutral center-off position when the rearbutton is actuated at an opposite end; and

FIGURE 12a is a greatly enlarged section view taken on line 12a-12a ofFIGURE 12 showing the location of the button in the operation shown inthe action of FIGURE 12.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the switch of the presentinvention comprises a case, generally designated 21, formed or molded ofa suitable insulating material such as Bakelite, nylon, or the like.Case 21 comprises a pair of side walls 22 and 23 and a pair of end walls24 and 25 all of which are bounded on the buttom by floor 27. Extendingintermediate walls 22 and 23 and from end wall 24 to end wall 25 is anintegrally formed partition 28 having a concave top edge. Partition 28,which is also bounded by floor 27, divides the interior of case 21 intotwo separate circuit selector chambers 31 and 32 in which separate setsof contact elements and corresponding contact levers are located.

Extending through floor 27 of case 21, in each chamber 31 and 32 arerespective pairs of spaced apart electrically conductive studs 33 and34. The upper ends of studs 33 and 34 have integrally formed contactheads 36 and 37, respectively. The lower ends of studs 33 and 34terminate in rivet heads 38 and 39, respectively, each of which securesrespective electrically conductive L- shaped terminal lugs 41 and 42 tothe bottom of floor 27 Also extending through floor 27 intermediate eachpair of studs 33 and 34 are electrically conductive studs 46, each ofwhich has an integral rivet head 47. FIGURES 2, 3 and 6. Secured by eachrivet head 47 to floor 27 is an electrically conductive yoke 48, whichhas a pair of integrally formed, spaced apart, upwarly extending arms 51and 52. Arms 51 and 52 each have a pair of upwardly extending spacedapart fingers 53 and 54 which bound horizontal shoulders 56 and 57,respectively, which function will be described hereinafter.

The bottom of each stud 46 terminates in an integral 1y formed rivethead 58 which secures an electrically conductive L-shaped terminal lug59 to the bottom of floor 27.

Terminal lugs 41 and 42 are each connectable to separate respectivecircuits, while terminal lug 61 is connectable to a return or power linecommon to both of said circuits.

Positioned across the open top of case 21 is a cover plate 63 made of adeformable sheet metal stamping or the like. Integrally formed at eachend of plate 63 is a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart legs 64,each of which terminates in a hook 66 bent inwardly and upwardly toengage a spur 67 integrally formed in each end wall 24 and 25 forretaining said plate securely in position. Integrally formed at each endof plate 63 intermediate the upper ends of legs 64 are outwardlyextending arms 68 which serve as means for mounting switch assembly in asuitable operating location.

Each longitudinal side of plate 63 has an integrally formed upwardlyextending support element 81 of triangular shape, each of said elementshaving an aperture near its apex for supporting the opposite ends ofpivot pin 82. Pivotally mounted side by side on pin 82 are twoseparately operated actuator buttons 83 and 84, molded or otherwiseformed of a suitable insulating material such as Bakelite, nylon, or thelike. Buttons 83 and 84, which are identical in shape, have intersectionactuator flats 85, 86 and 87, 88 which are arrayed at an obtuse angle inrespect of each other. Buttons 83 and 84 have respective front and rearwalls 91, 92 and 93, 94.

Buttons 83 and 84 each have an integral downwardly extending stub 96 and97, respectively, the lower portions of which extend freely through andmove pivotally back and forth within the central aperture in mountingplate 63 and within the interior of case 21. The lower end portions ofstubs 96 and 97 are movable within chambers 31 and 32, respectively.

The lower end of each stub 96 and 97 has an elongated recess 98 whichaccommodates a respective spring 99. Movable longitudinally within eachrecess 98 is a nib 101 which has a recess 102 accommodating the lowerend of spring 99, the upper end of which bears against the inner end ofrecess 98.. Springs 99 normally urge nibs 101 downwardly.

the

Positioned freely upon shoulders 56 and 57 of yokes i 48 are respectiveV-shaped electrically conductive contact levers 103 and 104, havingoppositely extending arms 105 and 106 the outer ends of which areadapted to selectively and alternatively close the electrical circuitbetween contact heads 36 and 37, respectively, and yoke 48. As shown inFIGURES 2 :and 6, when buttons 83 and '84 are in their central neutralpositions, nibs 101 are urged downwardly into the apices of levers 103and 104 each of which rest upon both shoulders 56 and 57 in a positionwhere both contact arms 105 and 106 are spaced apart from respectivecontact heads 36 and 37.

When button 83 is moved pivotally by depressing flat A 86 downwardly, tocausestub 96 to move to the left as shown in FIG. 3, nib 101 rides alongthe top of contact lever arm 105 to cause lever 103 to pivot upon yokeshoulder 56 and to bring said arm into circuit closing position withcontact head 36 and to retain it there while lever arm 106 is spacedapart still farther from contact head 37. In this position the circuitconnected between terminal lugs 41 and 59 underneath chamber 31 isclosedf Alternatively, when button 83 is tipped in the oppositedirection by depressing fiat 85, it is manifest that contact lever arm106 is brought into circuit closing position with contact head 37 andretained there whereby the previously closed circuit is opened and thecircuit connected between terminal lugs 42 and 59 underneath chamber 31is closed.

The same action described hereinbefore for the operation of front button83 also obtains for the operation of rear button 84 whereby the latterselectively controls two circuits to which terminal lugs 41 and 42underneath chamber 32 are respectively connected, terminal lug 59therebetween serving as the common power line terminal for each of saidcircuits. Thus, in this single switch assembly, buttons 83 and 84selectively control four separate circuits depending upon the directionin which any single button is actuated.

At each end of the central aperture in cover plate 63, the latter isupset to form a pair of upwardly extending integral tabs 111 which areengaged by the lower ends of respective springs 112, the upper ends of.which engage corresponding downwardly extending integral pins 113formed on the undersides of corresponding wings of buttons 83 and 84.

Normally, when either button 83 or 84 is separately of spring 99 throughnib 101 will cause the particular button to remain in the circuitclosing position, as shown in FIGURE 3, for example, where button 83, inits pivoted position, maintains contact arm closed upon contact head 36.When, however, the two switch buttons are operated in conjunction witheach other, then springs 112 operate to assist in the return of saidbuttons to their respective neutral central positions as will beexplained hereinafter.

The intention is to arrange for only one of the four circuits controlledby the switch assembly herein to be closed at any one time. Eitherbutton 83 or 84 can be manipulated separately to close either of its twocircuits alternatively by pivotal manipulation in one direction or theother. Also, each button can be manipulated pivotally back to itscentral neutral position where both of its circuits are in the opencondition.

When, however, either one of the switch buttons is in a circuit closingposition, the manipulation of the other button into a circuit closingposition will automatically return the first button back to its centralneutral position where both its circuits are in the open condition.

The foregoing interaction between the two buttons 83 and 84 is broughtabout by the provision of a mechanism which is operative between theinner face 121 of stub 96 and the opposing spaced apart inner face 122of stub 97.

Formed in face 121 of stub 96 (button 83) is a circular concave deeprecess 123 located centrally below the pivot axis of said button. Formedin face 122 of stub 97 (button 84) is a circular concave shallow recess124 located centrally below the pivot axis of its respective button.Located on each side of recess 124 and in a slightly arcuate arraytherewith in face 122 (button 84) are circular concave deep recesses 125and 126, respectively. See FIGURES 4 and 5.

Frictionally engaged between buttons 83 and 84 is a spherical detentbearing ball 127, the latter being held captive partially within recess123 in button 83, and partially within any one of recesses 124, 125 and126 in button 84. See FIGURES 6 and 9 through 12a, incluslve.

In operation, when both switch buttons 83 and 84 are in their centralneutral positions where both of the circuits each controls are in theopen condition, detent ball 127 is frictionally engaged between deeprecess 123 and shallow recess 124 of buttons 83 and 84, respectively.FIGURES 9 and 9a. When flat 86 of button83 is depressed, as shown inFIGURE 10, to close the circuit of contact head 36 in chamber 31, thepivoting action of button 83 moves recess 123 which carries andtransfers ball 127 from shallow recess 124 to deep recess 125.

See FIGURE'10a. Button 84 remains in its central neutral condition.

When it is desired to close the circuit to contact head 36 in chamber32, fiat 88 of button 84 is depressed, as shown in FIGURE 11, wherebythe pivoting action of said button moves deep recess 126 into thecentral location vertically below the axis of said button. During thepivoting action of button 84, shallow recess 124 passes acrossball 127and since there is a temporarily diminished frictional engagement ofball 127, spring 112 operating on the right side of button 83 pivotallyreturns the latter to its central neutral position. See FIGURE 11a.Button 83 is then maintained in the neutral position by the springbiased action of nib 101 upon central apex of contact lever-103. Thusthe circuit of contact head 36 in chamber 31 has been automaticallyopened upon the closing of the circuit of contact head 36 in chamber 32.

The foregoing action described in connection with alternatively closingand opening the circuits of contact heads 36 in either chamber 31 orchamber 32 also applies for the alternative opening and closing of thecircuits of contact heads 37 in chamber 31 or chamber 32.

That is, when one button is depressed on one side, the act of depressingthe other button on the same side produces the automatic return of thefirst depressed button to its central neutral position.

Where button 83 has been depressed upon the right as shown in FIGURESand 10a, thereby closing the circuit of contact head 36 in chamber 31,and it is desired to close the circuit of contact head 37 in chamber 32,by depressing flat 87 of button 84, the action that takes place isillustrated in FIGURES 12 and 12a. When button 84 is moved pivotallyfrom its neutral position (FIGURE 10a) deep recess 125 is moved intoconjunction with detent ball 127 and since said ball is now graspedbetween two deep recesses 125 and 123, sufficient energy is transmittedto button 83 to cause the latter to move pivotally back to its centralneutral position as shown in FIGURE 12a, this action being assisted byspring 112 on the right side of button 83 also urging the latter back toits neutral position.

The foregoing action wherein the alternative opening and closing of thecircuits of contact heads 36 and 37 in chambers 31 and 32 applies alsowhen either button 83 or 84 is in a particular circuit closing positionand it is desired to depress the other button in the opposite direction.

It is evident that the action of returning a previously depressed buttonby the actuation of the other button in the other direction is broughtabout by the interaction of detent ball 127 with deep recess 123 inbutton 83 and deep recess 125 or 126 in button 84.

Shallow recess 124 in button 84 provides for a diminution of frictionalresistance to facilitate the cooperating action of springs 112. Springs112 on each side of each button are substantially equal in tension sothat when frictional engagement is reduced upon detent ball 127 whencrossed by shallow recess 124 the particular spring 112 that haspreviously been compressed acts, upon the conjunction of detent ball 127with deep recess 123 and either of deep recesses 125 or 126, topivotally return the previously depressed button to its central neutralposition. The foregoing forces for returning a button to the centralneutral position are sufiicient to overcome the energy of spring biasednib 101 which has previously been urging a contact lever into thecircuit closing position.

While ball 127 is always held captive within recess 123 of button 83, itremains captive in recess 125 or 126 only when either button is beingreturned from a closed circuit position to its central off position bythe actuation of the opposite end of the other button into a circuitclosing position whereby both buttons are moving pivotally in the samedirection, as shown by the arrows in FIGURE 12a.

When, however, the relative pivotal movement of the two switch buttonsis in opposite directions, causing ball 127 to be disengaged from eitherrecess 125 or 126 and to traverse shallow recess 124, the diminishedfriction on ball 127 permits that button which is passivethat is, theone not being actuated-to automatically snap back to its center offposition when the other button is being actuated to close a circuit.

It is understood that either button 83 manipulated separately, not onlyto selectively close either of the two circuits controlled thereby butalso to return said button from a closed circuit position to its centralopen circuit position, as shown in FIGURE 2.

It is claimed:

1. A switch comprising a case, a first switch button and a second switchbutton mounted adjacent each other on the same pivot axis on said case,each of said buttons being separately pivotable from a central opencircuit position into either of two circuit closing positions, means oneach button for yieldably retaining it in either of its circuit closingpositions, means connected to each button or 84 may be at leastpartially urging the latter into its respective open circuit position,means frictionally engaged between opposing faces of said first andsecond buttons, said friction means being operative in conjunction withsaid second mentioned means when one of said buttons is in a circuitclosing position to return said button to its central open circuitposition when the other button is moved into a circuit closing position.

2. A switch according to claim 1 wherein said friction means comprises afirst recess on said first button, a second recess on said second buttonpositioned opposite said first recess when both said buttons are in theopen circuit position, third and fourth recesses on said second button,said second recess being positioned intermediate said third and fourthrecesses, and a spherical ball partially engaged by said first recessand engageable by any one of said second, third, and fourth recesses,said second recess being shallower than said third and fourth recesses.

3. A switch according to claim 2, wherein said first, third and fourthrecesses are of substantially equal depth.

4. A switch according to claim 3 wherein the means for at leastpartially urging said buttons into their respective open circuitpositions comprise a separate spring connected between said case andeach end of each button.

5'. A switch according to claim 4 wherein the frictional engagement ofsaid ball between said first recess and either of said third and fourthrecesses is of suflicient strength in conjunction with said springs whenone of said buttons is moved pivotally from an open circuit position toovercome the force exerted by said means yieldably retaining the otherof said buttons in its circuit closing position.

6. A switch according to claim 5 wherein said ball is frictionallyengaged between said first and said second recesses when both of saidbuttons are in the open circuit position.

7. A switch comprising a case, a first pair of first and second spacedapart circuit elements in said case, a second pair of third and fourthspaced apart circuit elements in said case, a first switch button and asecond switch button mounted adjacent one another on the same pivot axison said case, said buttons being normally in a central open circuitposition, said first button being pivotally movable alternatively intoeither of two positions for closing the circuits of said first andsecond circuit elements, said second button being pivotally movablealternatively into either of two positions for closing the circuits ofsaid third and fourth circuit elements, a first recess on one side ofsaid first button, second, third and fourth recesses on one side of saidsecond button opposing said side of said first button, said third andfourth recesses being arrayed on opposite sides of said second recess,said second recess being somewhat shallower than said third and fourthrecesses, a ball held captive in said first recess and frictionallyengageable by any one of said second, third and fourth recesses, saidfirst recess and said second recess being normally located opposite eachother when both said buttons are in the central open circuit position, aspring biased element on each button, said element yieldably retainingits respective button in a circuit closing position, and a separatespring connected between said case and each end of each button, saidlast mentioned springs operating in conjunction with the ball engaged bysaid first recess and either of said third or fourth recesses to returna respective button to its open circuit position against the action ofsaid spring biased element.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1942 Meuer20069 X 3/1960 Brown.

1. A SWITCH COMPRISING A CASE, A FIST SWITCH BUTTON AND A SECOND SWITCH BUTTON MOUNTED ADJACENT EACH OTHER ON THE SAME PIVOT AXIS ON SAID CASE, EACH OF SAID BUTTONS BEING SEPARATELY PIVOTABLE FROM A CENTRAL OPEN CIRCUIT POSITION INTO EITHER OF TWO CIRCUIT CLOSING POSITIONS, MEANS ON EACH BUTTON FOR YIELDABLY RETINING IT IN EITHER OF ITS CIRCUIT CLOSING POSITIONS, MEANS CONNECTED TO EACH BUTTON AT LEAST PARTIALLY URGING THE LATTER INTO ITS RESPECTIVE OPN CIRCUIT POSITION, MEANS FRICTIONALLY ENGAGED BETWEEN OP- 